February 2024 Art Update
Some February glory stories:
I got to give a talk on the Holy Spirit and pray over several teens on their confirmation retreat. All had a new encounter with the Holy Spirit in a way they’d never experienced before. I led most of them through renouncing lies they believed about themselves and announcing the truths Jesus wanted to give them.
I prayed over one of my students for her injured foot (she’s a dancer) and she felt about 30% better. Then one of her classmates asked to join and I coached him through praying for healing. As he prayed, he felt tingling in his fingers and she felt heat. Through his prayer, the pain completely went away! Her foot was 100% healed! It was so exciting introducing my students to Jesus’ desire and ability to heal even today and I can’t wait to see the fruit that comes from this!
Jesus knocked me out on a silent retreat with the Sisters of Life when they sang this song. Something about it opened a deep place in my heart that I was able to bring to Him for healing.
These just scratch the surface. Every day God is blowing up the box I put Him in and I’m so grateful for His enduring and surprising love.
Glory to God!
Off the Easel!
Here are all the cool projects I was able to finish this month! Which one’s your favorite?
Heart on Fire
I just shipped this painting off to it’s new home and my client loved how it turned out. She said:
“It is amazing! Even more stunning than the photo you sent! I feel so amazed that this image has been placed on my heart several years ago, it was confirmed in Medjugorje, and then you created a permanent image for me. Thank you!!”
This is My Body
I am excited to reveal a new painting I did for the Eucharistic Revival art competition. I really wanted to show the lengths that Jesus went through to give us His body and blood in the Holy Eucharist.
As the soldiers scourge His body and rip His flesh apart, Jesus looks to Heaven, elevating the Eucharist up to Heaven as His priests will do at every mass to turn simple bread and wine into His body and blood.
Unfortunately this piece was not accepted into the contest, but I believe God has other plans for the original. A friend of mine is leading a 63 day pilgrimage team to the Eucharistic Congress so I may send it with her. But pray that I find a good home for the original so that once it sells I can make prints!
Gallery Wall at T. Loft
As long as I’ve been an artist, I’ve never displayed my artwork in a coffee shop before! But the wonderful owners of T. Loft in Lawrence, KS were on board with my mission and were kind enough to offer me two walls in their shop!
Customers can get a delicious freshly squeezed juice and ponder God’s love for them as they wait in line.
Article:
Art as a leap of faith: Kansas artist quits job to paint murals to revitalize parish
Okay, this was one of the coolest things that happened this month. Catholic News Agency reached out to do an article on my work for Holy Name and the article is amazing!
Then to my surprise, EWTN News Nightly picked up the story and did a plug on their network!
On the Easel
These paintings are just beginning or reaching the end! Currently in progress!
Bridgman Sketches
Some folks have reached out to see more of my Bridgman sketches - enjoy a selection of my favorites in this gallery. Drawing the human body is complex but so rewarding! I love studying how God knitted the human body together.
WEDDING SLOTS ARE OPEN
My weekends in 2024 are starting to fill up for live wedding painting! If you or someone you know is getting married and want a beautiful lasting memorial of their sacrament, let me know! I can paint live or in my studio and then send it.
Thank You!!
As my business picks up and the opportunities expand to give talks, enter art contests, pray over people, and (of course) paint new and exciting projects, I give glory to God and give thanks for all of you. I am convicted that though the responsibilities are increasing, He bears the weight of it all. It’s His work, His numbers, His miracles. All I need to do is be still and “ride the wave” of the Holy Spirit.
Know of my prayers for you as I continue to paint and answer this call from the Lord. I pray that today you feel the hope of Jesus Christ in your heart as we journey through Lent towards Easter. Be encouraged that as you carry your crosses, they will bring about a new LIFE and RESURRECTION.
God Bless You during Lent!
-Mattie
